WAGNER RELISHING SURVIVAL ‘JOYRIDE’

DAVID WAGnER’S demeanour betrayed the emotion of the occasion after this high-octane bout between two promoted teams edging towards Premier League safety. Brighton, now on 35 points, are almost home and dry but manager Chris Hughton spoke afterwards of an ‘anxiety’ that has gripped his team and the home support of late. Yet Wagner (left) was, as ever, all smiles. Can he really enjoy the tension? ‘It is a joyride. It has been since matchday one. We really can survive,’ said the Huddersfield boss. Huddersfield may have won only two of their past 15 Premier League fixtures but the team and club remain imbued with a free-wheeling spirit that may edge them over the line. They were the better side here, ending a run of four games without a goal and playing with freedom rather than fear. Steve Mounie scored their first-half equaliser, capitalising on Shane Duffy’s stray pass. It was a speedy response to Jonas Lossl’s own goal, when the keeper spilled Solly March’s low strike over the goal-line. ‘We would be the happiest men on the planet if we can have a second season in the Premier League,’ said Wagner. The next two home fixtures, against Watford and Everton, offer promise. ‘If not, we have a very exciting final week . . . City away, Chelsea away, Arsenal at home,’ Wagner smiled. ‘Why not? It is possible.’ Brighton, who can all but secure their Premier League future at Crystal Palace on Saturday, may appeal against Davy Propper‘s red card, for a mistimed lunge on Jonathan Hogg. ‘There was no malice,’ Hughton said. ‘Is it a forceful challenge? Yes. Are his studs, feet off the ground? Certainly not. So if you give red cards for that, you will see a whole heap more.’ Propper said: ‘It’s not my intention to hurt someone.’ BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (4-4-1-1): Ryan 6; Schelotto 6, Duffy 5, Dunk 6.5, Bong 5.5; March 7, Propper 5.5, Stephens 6, Izquierdo 7; Gross 6 (Kayal 76min); Murray 5 (Ulloa 67, 5.5). Subs not used: Krul, Bruno, Baldock, Locadia, Goldson. Scorer: Lossie 29 og. Booked: Duffy. Sent off: Propper. Manager: Chris Hughton 6. HUDDERSFIELD TOWN (4-4-1-1): Lossl 5; Hadergjonaj 5.5, Jorgensen 6, Schindler 6, Kongolo 6.5; Ince 6 (Depoitre 90), Hogg 7 (Billing 80), Mooy 6.5, Van la Parra 6.5 (Quaner 90); PRITCHARD 7.5; Mounie 7. Subs not used: Coleman, Smith, Malone, Lowe. Scorer: Mounie 32. Manager: David Wagner 7. Referee: Anthony Taylor 7. Attendance: 30,501.